U.S.'s Aflredo Morales joins newly promoted Fortuna Dusseldorf

Alfredo Morales is returning to the top flight with Fortuna Dusseldorf. Photo by Stefan Boesl via Joachim Sielski/Bongarts/Getty Images

United States international midfielder Alfredo Morales has signed for Fortuna Dusseldorf after the club was promoted to the Bundesliga.

Morales, 28, has played for Ingolstadt for the past five seasons and scored four times in 25 starts in the German second division last season, including the winner against his new club in a match in November.

And Dusseldorf announced on Monday that Morales has signed a three-year contract until 2021 -- the 2. Bundesliga champions' first new signing as they prepare for the top tier next season.

"I had great talks with those in charge at Dusseldorf," Morales said in a club statment. "But the great stadium and the crazy fans were also factors for my move. I am delighted it worked out."

Morales will return to the top flight after one season in the second division, after Ingolstadt were relegated in 2017. He previously played in the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin in the 2011-12 season.

"We'll get an experienced Bundesliga player in Alfredo Morales," Dusseldorf coach Friedhelm Funkel said. "He's played in more than 150 matches in the two upper tiers. He's shown there he has Bundesliga quality. With his mentality he can help us from day one."

The midfielder has made 13 appearances for the U.S. and played at the 2015 Gold Cup, though he hasn't played for the national team since a single friendly in 2016.